The 2014 FIFA World Cup is only six months away and the world is ready – though for people in Australia, they await what could be the biggest disappointment in Socceroos history.
With our opposing teams confirmed as Spain, Chile and the Netherlands, people are already turning away from watching the games as they can predict the outcome.
Even though the team is ranked lowest in the World Cup draw, Ange Postecoglou will have the biggest challenge of his life ahead of him in Rio.
ESPN showed that of the teams in our group, Australia has just a 2.1 percent chance of qualifying for the round of 16. Chile has a 70 percent chance, Netherlands has a 52 percent chance, while World Cup winner Spain has a 68 percent chance.
On Fox Sports last week Mark Bosnich mentioned that we would have a greater chance of qualifying, but we are going into the competition with an undeveloped squad.
Some of the squad probably are not ready for the international stage, but are chosen anyway.
Many people thought that Postecoglou would have chosen many more players from the A-League for the squad, but only four players were chosen for the starting XI in the recent friendly against Costa Rica.
It calls into question whether certain A-league players are ready for the call-up.
Currently playing for Celtic, Tom Rogic is a key player in the squad – a powerhouse in the midfield, able to break down defences and play forward.
The only issue is he is not getting enough playing time at Celtic. More time on the pitch means more experience, which will make him one of the better in our side.
The explosive and agile Tim Cahill breaks into the key players list as one of the best in the side. He is our leading goal scorer and we can only hope Cahill can pull off some top goals in the competition.
Australia is gearing up for the Cup and we cannot wait until the action starts.
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Roar Guru
I agree the players back i the past 2 world cups were definitely better than the squad we have now, but we are just starting to see what Ange can do with the team, i look forward to the World Cup and definitely good things to come in 2015 at the Asian Cup
Johan
Guest
Clearly the cupboard is bare- in 2006 the socceroos had a handful of quality players and surprised a few. In 2010 Aussie fans thought that the same cattle plus Luke Wiltshire and Davie boy Carney would do the job. It didn't and for those of us in Durban that night it was an unforgettable night for all the wrong reasons. If and it is a big if the socceroos can get three points against Chile then a point against the mighty Dutch or Spain will see them through to lose against Brazil in the last 16. Odds of 501 -1 tells you all you need to know about the current crop of players though. It would be unaustralian not to seek wins though even if if means leaving more holes at the back and losing by cricket scores. The average Aussie will probably be disgusted at the socceroos performances not realizing that it is harder to win a World Cup that does not only involve a dozen former English colonies. Expect to hear plenty of comments in the mainstream media like 'it is only soccer' and 'we don't really play soccer'. Australia must win the Asian cup in January 2015 though particularly as it is being played on these shores.
Nicholas Rupolo
Guest
You have made some good points there i should have worded the opening a little better, but goes to show just how difficult the competition is going to be for the Socceroos
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
Completely agree matt (with the first part of your post obviously ;) ), that's exactly the philosophy Ange should have imo. Often WC coincide with the end of a generation or a cycle but I think for once Ange should actually use this one as the beginning of something new, not only in terms of players but also attitude. No one has any expectations in terms of results so the pressure will be minimal (at this level). He has been given carte blanche and is sure to keep the job no matter what happens in brasil: its very, very rare to be in this situation as an international coach going to a WC. make the most of it and have no regrets.
Matthew Skellett
Roar Rookie
I think this is a ideal time for Ange to do some ground-breaking selections try new things be audacious after all we have nothing to lose and I am willing to bet that all three rival national teams are shaking in their boots at the prospect of playing a re-invigorated Australian team with everything to play for :-)
Uncle Junior
Guest
Nicholas, in tournament football anything is possible. Remember at the 2010 World Cup, New Zealand didn't lose a game and Switzerland beat Spain. It won't be easy, but it shouldn't be easy. It's a world cup tournment for the world's only global team sport. You are way off with your your opening comment: "for people in Australia, they await what could be the biggest disappointment in Socceroos history". Not qualifying for a World Cup is the biggest disappointment for me as a fan of Australia. Celebrate the fact Australia is participating, keep your expectations at reasonable levels and I guarantee you will have a wonderful June 2014.
Cameron
Roar Guru
I too am not expecting a miracle, but although happy we've qualified consecutively three times, I am not happy we're there to make up the numbers. Will you be saying the same thing in three world cups time Mike? Assessing the development of football in Australia always stems from how well the national team is going. If results don't improve in future qualifications/WC's to come, will you be just satisfied we've qualified? We've qualified three times in a row and now have gone backwards. I'm not happy we've just qualified.
nordster
Guest
Exciting cup finals ahead...im not sure i'd be saying that so much had we drawn an easier group. But then one of my favourite days watching the Roos was at wc2010 seeing us be thumped by Germany. Mixing it with the big teams and having our rear ends handed to us more than a few times is a necessary step on the path to matching them some day. Id predict out of the three 2014 games, one will go down like the Germany match...probably Chile or Ned...one will be a close loss and then maybe a draw or close loss to finish off vs Spain. Depending on where the group sits.
Mike
Roar Guru
I'm not expecting a miracle, but I am excited to watch Australia take on such huge opponents. As Craig Foster said, it's an honour to complete aganst such elite countries. It's easy to write Australia off, but I'm just happy that we actually qualified for the WC altogether. Only 32 teams make the final stage, and I'm proud that we are one, and have been consistently lately. Plus it comes as a bit of a relief to enter as underdogs. Last time, in '10, people had huge expectations about the Socceroos getting out of the group stage again, which led to disappointment. To those who are freaking out about the Socceroos' results, my advice is to just enjoy the tournament. :)